The slap heard round the world occurred this past Sunday in the middle of the 94th Academy Awards. Actor Will Smith shocked the crowd by slapping Chris Rock, host and comedian, in the face. This came after Chris Rock cracked a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, a symptom of alopecia. Despite laughing at first, Will Smith noticed his wife’s displeasure and marched up on stage to assault the host of the Oscars. Chris Rock was naturally flustered, exclaiming, “It was a G.I. Jane joke.” Will Smith repeatedly yelled “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth!” Rock suggested Jada to star in the sequel to the movie G.I. Jane, the original starring Demi Moore as the female protagonist with a shaved head. Nearly an hour after the altercation, Will Smith was awarded the Best Actor award for his role in King Richard. 

Since the incident, Will Smith has resigned from the academy and has publicly apologized to Chris Rock, the academy, and all spectators. Regardless, the academy is working to reach a resolution as to how Will Smith will be punished. Public opinion has been split about the issue. Some say his reaction was justified, while others are shocked by his reaction. How does the Magnet community feel about the issue?